The center of Mendocino County, California, Willits is often called the “Gateway to the Redwoods,” because of its proximity to the state’s great Redwood forests; it’s also only 20-minutes from the Pacific Coast. But Willits has one other thing it’s famous for: the Black Bart Casino. Part of the 58-acre Sherwood Valley Rancheria, Black Bart Casino provides a little gaming action to the 5,000-person town and its visitors.
Open Sunday through Thursday from 8AM to 2AM and 24-hours on weekends, the 3,000 square-foot gaming floor of Black Bart Casino is stocked with 200 gaming machines. Whether you want to play the classic lever-pull slot machines or the latest in electronic gaming, Black Bart Casino has you taken care of. However, there are no live gaming tables at the casino, making it a tough sell to those who want to double-down at a Blackjack table.
For lodging, visitors to Willits have a couple of options. One choice is the Best Western Willits Inn, called Willits’ “newest and finest” hotel. Located on a hilltop, each room has great views of the surrounding mountains or the town center. Rooms are cozy and well equipped and each offers an entertainment center, satellite television and high-speed Internet. For a more eco-friendly stay, try the Beside Still Waters Farm, a secluded 21-acre property which is home to three luxuriously appointed private cottages. Try this if you’re looking for a romantic honeymoon or if you just want to get away from it all.
Looking for something to eat? Try the Creekside Café at the Black Bart Casino. Enjoy full breakfast, lunch and dinner menus all day and late into the night. The menu is classic American and dishes are very affordable. In downtown Willits, try Al’s Redwood Room Restaurant & Bar, a pleasant and intimate restaurant and bar, where you’ll find a full lunch and dinner menu as well as a fully stocked bar with beer, wine and spirits.
Want to relax? Just step outside; Willits is paradise to nature lovers. Guests of the Beside Still Waters Farm can enjoy all the peace and serenity 20 isolated acres can offer. Watch the stars at night or run through the forest during the day. Nature beckons. If you want to try a little golfing, there’s a 9-hole course – Brooktrails Golf Course – only a couple miles from the casino.
At night, Willits tends to get pretty quiet, but there’s always late-night action at the casino. However, there are a couple of bars in town where you can find good local flavor and amiable company.
To find Black Bart Casino fly into San Francisco International Airport and take a 2.5-hour drive to Black Bart Casino, 100 Kawi Place, Willits, California 95490.
